Seeking Peace

Let us say to our enemies: We do not seek our freedom at the cost of yours; therefore do not seek yours at the cost of ours.

Of the 6000 languages spoken in the world today, only one is truly universal: the language of tears. And that is the language we speak today.

For a year we've shared tears with the people of Israel, who've suffered the almost unimaginable number of more than 7000 terrorist attacks. That is one an hour, every hour of every day for almost a year. In their wake, they've left thousands injured and more than 170 dead.

And now we share tears with the people of America, who have suffered the worst single peacetime act of terror they and we have ever known. And we say to them, your grief is ours. We feel it in our very bones.

Ribbono shel olam [Lord of the Universe]: you know we never sought this.

Almost three thousand years ago your prophets were the first people in all of history to speak of peace as an ideal.

There wasn't one prayer we prayed for a hundred generations that didn't end with a prayer for peace.

Not one word of anger or hate... just a deep humanity and a desire for peace.

And today, we heard the father of a murdered son, and the brothers and sisters of Israeli soldiers missing in action – people whose lives have been shattered by grief – and in all they said, there was not one word of anger or hate or desire for revenge; instead, just a deep humanity and a desire for peace. Ribbono shel olam, this is your people, and I am humbly proud to belong to it.

And when your children, ravaged by the Holocaust, came together to rebuild their life as a nation in Your holy land, all they ever sought was to live at peace with their neighbors.

On the very day the state of Israel was born, attacked on every one of its borders, David Ben Gurion said – it's there for all time in the declaration of independence – “we extend our hand to all neighboring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighborliness.” And the offer was rejected, as it has been rejected so many times since.

Eight years ago the late Yitzhak Rabin shook hands with Yassir Arafat before the cameras of the world, and Israel and the Palestinians bound themselves to engage in negotiations, renouncing all violence and terror. Yitzhak Rabin gave his life for that ideal.

Another Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, offered more for the sake of peace than anyone dreamt, anyone expected, anyone thought possible. And at that very moment, when they were being offered more than they could realistically have hoped, the Palestinians broke the Oslo accords, and began a campaign of terror, designed to undermine the very existence of a Jewish home. It brought bloodshed to the streets, the marketplaces, the restaurants, of Israel. But it did more than that. It became a campaign of vilification directed to the press and television screens of the world that I never dreamed I would see in my lifetime.

It culminated in a United Nations conference in Durban, a conference convened to fight racism, which became instead a platform for a new and virulent racism, resurrecting every evil image and myth of a thousand years of anti-Semitism. There, under the unprotesting eyes of the nations of the world, the Jews of Israel were accused of racism, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, genocide and crimes against humanity. There was holocaust denial, not from crazed individuals but from official government spokesmen. Thousands of leaflets were distributed with passages adapted from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion and cartoons from Der Sturmer. And this at an international conference against racism?

Fascism came and went; Soviet communism came and went; and anti-Semitism came and stayed.

Is this what the United Nations has become? Is this what humanity has learned from the Holocaust? That Jews should still face the hate about which the world once said, “Never again”? That we should still have to defend our right to exist? That Jews should still be threatened, endangered, held hostage, murdered for the mere fact that they are Jews – and then be blamed for it as well? Ribbono shel olam – is that what your world has become?

When the history of the 20th century comes to be written, it will tell a simple story: of how fascism came and went; how Soviet communism came and went; and how anti-Semitism came and stayed. Al elah ani bochiyah. For these things, I weep.

And within a week of the hijacking of the United Nations came the hijacking of four planes in the United States – as if to remind us what no one should ever have forgotten: that hatred knows no boundaries. It spreads like fire, and if it is not extinguished at the outset it blazes beyond control.

And yet even then, unbelievably, we heard voice after voice blaming Israel, as if all the evils of the world have one source: us, we who have striven for peace, for blessing and for life. Friends, let me say it clearly and unequivocally. There is only one connection between the attacks on Israel and the United States. It has nothing to do with Israel's relations with the Palestinians. It has nothing to do with American foreign policy. It is that Israel and the United States are free, open, liberal, democratic societies, and therefore constitute the ultimate threat to those who seek to create closed, repressive, autocratic and totalitarian societies – with no rule of law, no free press, no independent judiciary, no permitted dissent, and no minority rights.

Imagine this, that those journalists who have blamed Israel in the past weeks were forced to leave Britain. Where would they choose to live? In Afghanistan, under the Taliban? In Gaza under the Palestinian authority? In Iraq under Saddam Hussein? In Iran or Libya or Syria or any other of a dozen countries we could name? Or in Tel Aviv in the Israel they condemn, where you can live as a Christian, pray as a Muslim, even criticize the government, without being imprisoned, mutilated or quietly assassinated.

Who ever offered the Palestinians a future? Only Israel.

Or ask this: who ever offered the Palestinians a future? The Jordanians, who threw them out of Jordan? The Lebanese, who threw them out of Lebanon? The Syrians, who threw them out of Tripoli? Or all those other friends and neighbors who used them ruthlessly, exploited them and gave them hate instead of hope, and guns instead of food? The only nation to offer the Palestinians a future has been Israel. And for this Israel stands condemned.

Friends, there are certain condemnations that are badges of honor. And if today in certain minds Israel is linked with the United States – let that too be a badge of honor. Because it was the United States that, like Israel, was created to be a home for refugees; the United States like Israel that was built on freedom and respect for human life; the United States like Israel that out of desolation made prosperity; the United States like Israel that sought to share its blessings with others. If these things are condemned, then let us too be condemned; but let us never stand with those who fear freedom, and kill those with whom they disagree.

A few days ago, we sat in shul on Rosh Hashanah. What did we read about when we read from the Torah and the prophets on that holy of holies of Jewish time? We didn't read about war or power or conquest. We read about Sarah and the gift of a child. We read about Hannah and her prayer for a child. We read about Rachel, weeping for her missing children. I cannot tell you how moving I find it that this is the greatest Jewish dream – just that: to bring children into the world, and give them a place of safety, a home; and teach them the songs and stories of our people; and see them grow and write their own chapter in our story; and make our ancient faith young again. And in the end that simple love of life and of children gave us the strength to outlive every empire built on war and power and violence; and when nations learn to love their children more than they hate their neighbors, we will have peace.

And so I say to the enemies of freedom: Children deserve better than to be taught to hate those with whom they must one day learn to live. Children deserve better than to be taught to win their place in heaven by committing suicide in the act of killing others. Every child deserves a future. In the name of all you hold holy, give your children hope. Teach them to live, not die.

Let us pray for peace, work for peace, and if necessary, fight for peace, until the children of the world can grow up without hate and fear.

And as we stand today, with the people of Israel, with the people of the United States and Britain, and with, I believe, the majority of Muslims around the world, I want every one of us to leave this place with our heads held high. Let us say to the world: we will not answer hate with hate; nor will we respond to terror with fear. Let us say to our enemies: We do not seek our freedom at the cost of yours; therefore do not seek yours at the cost of ours. From this day forth, and for as long as it takes, let us pray for peace, work for peace, and yes, if necessary, fight for peace, until the children of the world, regardless of their race or faith, can grow up without hate and without fear: loving the life that is theirs, respecting the life that is their neighbors'. “See,” said Moses, “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life.” That is now the choice that faces the world. Ribbono shel olam, give every one of us the strength to defeat the forces of death and, at last, build a world that honors life.

The Chief Rabbi delivered this speech at the Israel Solidarity Rally in London's Drury Lane Theatre, September 23, 2001.

Visitor Comments: 10

(10)
john alexander,
January 11, 2012 9:24 PM

I believe that the long journey towards truth for Israel will only be sustained by those whose strong characters inspire all of us to endure the troubles that lay ahead, love always wins out "eventually. Shalom

(9)
Leon Raff,
April 28, 2004 12:00 AM

My Zaida always said that the world may be created with many nations but when it comes to Jews, you are either Jewish or Anti-Semetic.
We Jews have to continue to be a light to all the nations in spite of the turmoil.

(8)
Gary Gordon,
August 28, 2002 12:00 AM

Yasher Koach Rabbi Sacks

Rabbi Sacks vision is right on target.
In the end, there are two choices collaboration and joint ventures between Israel and Palestine or death to both. The question remains, how many children are both sides willing to burry before they reach the first conclusion and until we act like Jews!

Shalom Rav Afilu Achshav!

Gerhshawn Gordon

(7)
Jim Gatling,
October 20, 2001 12:00 AM

Thank you

Thank you for sharing this message. I am a history teacher in the U.S. and I have always believed in the goodness of Israel. In the U.S. media, Israel is portaryed as the "bad guy" in the middle east. We need to hear more views like this one!! Peace Be With you All!

(6)
Kitty Arscott,
October 15, 2001 12:00 AM

poignant words as usual from our Chief Rabbi

Why haven't we articulate passionate Press Relations individuals to speak up for Israel at the drop of a hat! Likewise to answer letters & articles inthe media. We need the Rabbi's comments to be read and heard throughout the country and, indeed, the world. KKA.

(5)
Joanne Millstone,
October 14, 2001 12:00 AM

Unbelievable!

Unbelievable that my country, the U.S., STILL believes that a people who continually cry "Death to Israel" are capable of negotiating a peace! Maybe, when that incredible mediagenic poser Yassir Arafat is finally deposed the truth will out once and for all.

I just hope that Jews won't be force to suffer in the blood bath that insues.

(4)
Dharamdeo sawh,
October 14, 2001 12:00 AM

An Excellent Message, especially to the Muslim World

This sermon embraces the preservation of life and emphasises the importance of correct indoctrination of our youths: love instead of hate; life is a gift not to be squandered but to share with amity,affection and care for each other. The need for dedicated and true teachers of the Holy Books are more necessary than ever: Envy and intolerance must be replaced by Peaceful co-existence and the Sanctity of Life.
God Bless us all.

(3)
Frances Cohen,
October 14, 2001 12:00 AM

Thank you.

I am so pleased with my subscription to aish as I enjoyed this address. Thank you for including it.

(2)
Alyza S.,
October 14, 2001 12:00 AM

We are peace

Psalm 120:7

A song of ascents.
I am all peace;

but when I speak,

they are for war.

Comment: We are peace, we seek peace. Only when those we speak peace too speak other than war can true peace exist. May HaShem bring the moshiach speedily and in our day. May HaShem protect and guard all the Jewish people. And may HaShem bless all those who stand with us and are righteous. God bless America.

(1)
Batya Amit,
October 14, 2001 12:00 AM

The above article was beautiful yet what immediately crossed my mind when reading it is that due to American media the vast majority of Americans don't even know that Israel offered the Palestinians 97% of their demands, let alone all the other important points in this writing. It seems frustrating to me that we say these things to Jewish audiences, kind of preaching to the choir. While helpful for our sense of unity, I would so love to find a way to bring this message, despite media leanings to the American public.

In wathching the news I can easily see why Americans would want a shift in American policy. On the one hand are Arabs blessed with oil who keep restating that if we (America) go with their side (ie the Palestinian issue) we would not incur the wrath of their extremists. Additionally, according to TV news coverage, Israel has bloodied countless innocent men, women and children (pictures often included)in payback for rock throwing frustrated, poor, unheard, oppressed Palestinian children. These people, the message of the media states, haven't the funds or power to show their rage at the injustice toward them in any way other than to throw rocks and occasionally hurl bombs at their oppressors. After all didn't Menachem Begin in his time do similar acts of vioence when oppressed?

This is the message and it has been sold convincingly. According to polls only 58% of Americans think US policy should maintain solid support of Israel. In these times we need PR-because even though there is the element of anti-semitism, even though many hate us just for being Jews, there are others, the followers of the 7 laws of Noah, the many good people, who just don't get it, because they are not shown the true picture. We need informative speeches such as yours to reach them and we need, perhaps, to form a plan together on the best way to do this. America is, as you said, in many ways similar to Israel, America is our closest friend. We must reach the American people at these times when their fear of Arab wrath make them more than ever prone to say, "let's rethink our policy so that we may save ourselves from becoming a part of the Arab-Israeli feud". I would be happy to be involved in the project of American, or even world PR, and would love for Jews of the world to join together in this type of action. Perhaps we can use this forum from Aish to gather some of our ideas together.

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

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